A review by illstoptheworldandreadwithyou
Wish I Were Here by Melissa Wiesner

3.75

Sometimes you need a push to help you change your perspective. 

 

Poised to start a new position as a mathematics professor, tightly-wound Catherine Lipton’s plans are turned upside down when her government records disappear. Her Social Security number, driver’s license, and birth certificate are deemed fake. As far as the government is concerned, Catherine Lipton doesn’t exist, and without proper documentation, the university can’t file the paperwork for her job. 

 

Tattooed, charming doorman Luca Morelli and his many, many connections come to Catherine’s aid. He seems like her opposite, but maybe the two can strike the right balance together and point Catherine’s life in the right direction again. 

 

Read for the found family, the sense of community, Luca’s huge heart, a touch of magical realism, and the hug of an ending. 

 

Full disclosure: Catherine has a very driven, Type A personality, and her perspective on success is highly achievement-based. By the end, she has learned to broaden how she defines success and living, but throughout the story, she does judge both herself and those around her using her original definition. 

 

I received an advance copy of the book from Forever and NetGalley and had access to a traveling ARC copy as well. All review opinions are my own. 

 

3.75⭐️  rounded up to 4⭐️